REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF DWIGHT COMMON SCHOOL DISTRICT #232
Held in the Dwight Common School District Library
On April 8, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
Board President Jaime Mallaney called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
PRESENT: Lori Bowman; Mark Christenson; Marc Ellis; Brad Hansen; Ryan Kodat; Jaime
Mallaney; Chuck Trainor
ABSENT: None
Also in attendance: Josh DeLong, Superintendent; Deb Conroy, Secretary; Julie Schultz, Principal;
Micheal Bennett-Tejes, Asst. Principal
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
NOTICES, COMMUNICATIONS OR RECOGNITIONS
Board member Marc Ellis was recognized by the IASB as an Established Board Member.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES OR REPRESENTATIVES
Mrs. Schultz’ report stands as read.
Mr. Bennett-Tejes’ report stands as read.
Mr. Scheuer’s report stands as read.
Mr. DeLong reported that he has had discussions with Jack Connor regarding the new storage shed/garage that he is proposing to be built to replace the Pre-K storage shed. They came to the decision that a shed the size of a 3-car garage would work best, placed on the north side of the driveway into the back parking lot. This way it would be out of the students’ way for deliveries and still be close to the Pre-K program. They have explored different options to get an idea on price for that size of a building and he believes with our Maintenance department completing most of the work and adding a loft, heat and electricity it could be done between $90,000-$115,000, on the high end. There will be some grant funds to help offset the cost of this structure. He also discussed possibly adding water/sewer so a restroom could be included.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
went into Executive Session at 6:12 p.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation,discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee of the public body or against legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity; According to Section 2, subsection c, #1 of the Illinois Open Meetings Act.
exited Executive Session at 6:26 p.m.
CONSENT AGENDA
Items for consideration on this month’s Consent Agenda are as follows:
1) Minutes of the March 11, 2026 Regular Board Meeting
2) Bills
3) Approve Retirement, Laura Reamer, Special Education Teacher
4) Approve Resignation, Allie Trewartha, Cross Country Coach
5) Approve Resignation, Allan Zarbock, Assistant Wrestling Coach
6) Approve Resignation, Marion Kennell, Scholastic Bowl Coach
7) Approve Resignation, Ashley Henson, Split Full-Time Substitute Teacher
8) Approve Employment, Tracy Ballard, Custodian
9) Approve Employment, Bridget Zavala, Summer Worker
10) Approve Employment, Jack Statler, Summer Worker
Board member Ellis requested to vote separately on Consent Agenda item #3.
approve the retirement of Laura Reamer, as presented.
approved the remaining Consent Agenda as amended to remove item #3.
NEW BUSINESS
Mr. DeLong presented a proposal to make a change to Board Policy 7:40, which would allow local, non-public students to participate in certain clubs or programs under certain conditions.
Mr. DeLong reported that he would like to add another attorney firm to the district. F3 is the firm that he would like to add. He noted that we do not need to bid out for attorney firms and he believes the addition of F3 will make sense as we move forward. There is no charge to add them unless we use their services and they charge in 6-minute increments for their services. It gives the district more options should legal services be needed.
Mr. DeLong requested approval of the ISBE consolidated district plan for the 2026-27 school year. This is an annual requirement necessary for us to move forward with grant applications for federal title funds.
Mr. DeLong announced that there is a new requirement tied to our district consolidated plan. This new requirement is the approval of the ESEA parent and family engagement plan.
Mr. DeLong presented his proposal for a new 3-year contract with Assistant Principal Micheal Bennett-Tejes for the 2026-27, 2027-28 and 2028-29 school years.
Mr. DeLong presented his proposal for a new 3-year contract with Athletic Director Jacob Scheuer for the 2026-27, 2027-28 and 2028-29 school years.
Adjourned the meeting at 6:36 p.m.
